Trailer curvature control and mode management with powertrain and brake support

ABSTRACT

A backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer includes a brake module and a throttle module. The system further includes a controller having a vehicle speed detector and coupled with the brake module and the throttle module for implementing a backup mode including detecting an adverse operating condition and then adjusting at least one of the brake module and the throttle module and terminating the backup mode upon detecting the adverse operating condition for a time interval.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/678,025, filed Apr. 3, 2015, and entitled “TRAILER CURVATURE CONTROL AND MODE MANAGEMENT WITH POWERTRAIN AND BRAKE SUPPORT,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to systems for controlling vehicle parameters during vehicle guidance of a trailer, such as in a trailer backup assist system. In particular, various systems are disclosed for controlling the speed or a vehicle during use of a trailer backup assist system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer can be challenging for many drivers, particularly for drivers that drive with a trailer on an infrequent basis or with various types of trailers. Systems used to assist a driver with backing a trailer can control various vehicle systems to attempt to keep the speed of the towing vehicle below a limit where such systems become unreliable, particularly at preventing the trailer from converging toward a jackknife angle or the like. Further advances in such systems may be desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer includes a brake module and a throttle module. The system further includes a controller having a vehicle speed detector and coupled with the brake module and the throttle module for implementing a backup mode including detecting an adverse operating condition and then adjusting at least one of the brake module and the throttle module and terminating the backup mode upon detecting the adverse operating condition for a time interval.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle includes a steering system, a vehicle speed detector, and a brake system. The vehicle further includes a first controller coupled with steering system for implementing a backup mode for reversing a trailer including controlling the steering system to maintain the trailer along a path. A second controller is coupled with the speed detector and the brake system and implements a non-linear proportional-integral control scheme to control the brake system to maintain a vehicle speed below a threshold speed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for assisting reversing of a vehicle with a trailer includes controlling a steering angle of a steering system to maintain the trailer along a user-selected reversing curvature path while monitoring a speed of the vehicle for an excess speed. The method further includes, upon detecting an excess speed, attempting to cause a decrease the speed of the vehicle and, after a time interval of detecting the excess speed, ending the controlling of the steering angle.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of the trailer backup assist system having a steering input device, a curvature controller, and a trailer braking system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram that illustrates the geometry of a vehicle and a trailer overlaid with a two-dimensional x-y coordinate system, identifying variables used to determine a kinematic relationship of the vehicle and the trailer for the trailer backup assist system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating portions of a curvature controller, according to an additional embodiment, and other components of the trailer backup assist system, according to such an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is schematic block diagram of the curvature controller of FIG. 4, showing the feedback architecture and signal flow of the curvature controller, according to such an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between a hitch angle and a steering angle of the vehicle as it relates to curvature of the trailer and a jackknife angle;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a steering input device having a rotatable knob for operating the trailer backup assist system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of a rotatable knob for selecting a desired curvature of a trailer and a corresponding schematic diagram illustrating a vehicle and a trailer with various trailer curvature paths correlating with desired curvatures that may be selected;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a backup sequence of a vehicle and a trailer implementing various curvature selections with the trailer backup assist system, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating a trailer backup assist system using an operating routine for steering a vehicle reversing a trailer with normalized control of the desired curvature, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is flow diagram illustrating further aspects of the method of operating a trailer backup assist system, including implementing a speed reduction and warning process;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating still further aspects of the method of operating a trailer backup assist system, including implementing an excess trailer angle mitigation and warning process;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a non-linear proportional-integral controller that can be used to control the speed of a vehicle during a trailer backup assist operation; and

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the interaction of the controller of FIG. 12 with other systems in the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 1-11, reference numeral 10 generally designates a trailer backup assist system for controlling a backing path of a trailer 12 attached to a vehicle 14 by allowing a driver of the vehicle 14 to specify a desired curvature 26 of the backing path of the trailer 12. In one embodiment, the trailer backup assist system 10 automatically steers the vehicle 14 to guide the trailer 12 on the desired curvature or backing path 26 as a driver uses the accelerator and brake pedals to control the reversing speed of the vehicle 14. The system 10 further includes a controller 28 having a vehicle speed detector 58 and coupled with the brake module 72 of the vehicle 14 and the throttle module included in a powertrain control system 74 of vehicle 14. Generally, controller 28 implements a backup mode including detecting an adverse operating condition and then adjusting at least one of the brake module 72 and the throttle module of the powertrain control system 74. Controller 28 further terminates the backup mode upon detecting the adverse operating condition for a time interval. In one aspect, the general controller 28 can include a number of various individual controllers. One such individual controller 204 can be included and coupled with the speed detector 58 and the brake system 72 and can implement a non-linear proportional-integral control scheme to control the brake system to maintain the vehicle speed below a threshold speed.

With respect to the general operation of the trailer backup assist system 10, as illustrated in the system diagram of FIG. 1, a steering input device 18 may be provided, such as a rotatable knob 30, for a driver to provide the desired curvature 26 (FIG. 7) of the trailer 12. As such, the steering input device 18 may be operable between a plurality of selections, such as successive rotated positions of a knob 30, that each provide an incremental change to the desired curvature 26 of the trailer 12. With reference to the embodiment of the trailer backup assist system 10 shown in FIG. 1, the trailer backup assist system 10 receives vehicle and trailer status-related information from various sensors and devices. This information includes positioning information from a positioning device 56, which may include a global positioning system (GPS) on the vehicle 14 or a handled device, to determine a coordinate location of the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 based on the location of the positioning device 56 with respect to the trailer 12 and/or the vehicle 14. The positioning device 56 may additionally or alternatively include a dead reckoning system for determining the coordinate location of the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 within a localized coordinate system based at least on vehicle speed, steering angle, and hitch angle γ. Other vehicle information received by the trailer backup assist system 10 may include a speed of the vehicle 14 from a speed sensor 58 and a yaw rate of the vehicle 14 from a yaw rate sensor 60. It is contemplated that in additional embodiments, a hitch angle sensor 44, a proximity sensor 45, and other vehicle sensors and devices may provide sensor signals or other information, such as successive images of the trailer 12, that the controller of the trailer backup assist system 10 may process with various routines to determine an indicator of the hitch angle γ, such as a range of hitch angles.

As further shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the trailer backup assist system 10 is in communication with a power assist steering system 62 of the vehicle 14 to operate the steered wheels 64 (FIG. 1) of the vehicle 14 for moving the vehicle 14 in such a manner that the trailer 12 reacts in accordance with the desired curvature 26 of the trailer 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the power assist steering system 62 is an electric power-assisted steering (“EPAS”) system that includes an electric steering motor 66 for turning the steered wheels 64 to a steering angle based on a steering command, whereby the steering angle may be sensed by a steering angle sensor 67 of the power assist steering system 62. The steering command may be provided by the trailer backup assist system 10 for autonomously steering during a backup maneuver and may alternatively be provided manually via a rotational position (e.g., steering wheel angle) of a steering wheel 68 (FIG. 1). However, in the illustrated embodiment, the steering wheel 68 of the vehicle 14 is mechanically coupled with the steered wheels 64 of the vehicle 14, such that the steering wheel 68 moves in concert with steered wheels 64, preventing manual intervention with the steering wheel 68 during autonomous steering. More specifically, a torque sensor 70 is provided on the power assist steering system 62 that senses torque on the steering wheel 68 that is not expected from autonomous control of the steering wheel 68 and therefore indicative of manual intervention, whereby the trailer backup assist system 10 may alert the driver to discontinue manual intervention with the steering wheel 68 and/or discontinue autonomous steering.

In alternative embodiments, some vehicles have a power assist steering system 62 that allows a steering wheel 68 to be partially decoupled from movement of the steered wheels 64 of such a vehicle. Accordingly, the steering wheel 68 can be rotated independent of the manner in which the power assist steering system 62 of the vehicle controls the steered wheels 64 (e.g., autonomous steering as commanded by the trailer backup assist system 10). As such, in these types of vehicles where the steering wheel 68 can be selectively decoupled from the steered wheels 64 to allow independent operation thereof, the steering wheel 68 may be used as a steering input device 18 for the trailer backup assist system 10, as disclosed in greater detail herein.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the power assist steering system 62 provides the controller 28 of the trailer backup assist system 10 with information relating to a rotational position of steered wheels 64 of the vehicle 14, including a steering angle. The controller 28 in the illustrated embodiment processes the current steering angle, in addition to other vehicle 14 and trailer 12 conditions to guide the trailer 12 along the desired curvature 26. It is conceivable that the trailer backup assist system 10, in additional embodiments, may be an integrated component of the power assist steering system 62. For example, the power assist steering system 62 may include a trailer backup assist algorithm for generating vehicle steering information and commands as a function of all or a portion of information received from the steering input device 18, the hitch angle sensor 44, the power assist steering system 62, a vehicle brake control system 72, a powertrain control system 74, and other vehicle sensors and devices.

As also illustrated in FIG. 1, the vehicle brake control system 72 may also communicate with the controller 28 to provide the trailer backup assist system 10 with braking information, such as vehicle wheel speed, and to receive braking commands from the controller 28. For instance, vehicle speed information can be determined from individual wheel speeds as monitored by the brake control system 72. Vehicle speed may also be determined from the powertrain control system 74, the speed sensor 58, and the positioning device 56, among other conceivable means. In some embodiments, individual wheel speeds can also be used to determine a vehicle yaw rate, which can be provided to the trailer backup assist system 10 in the alternative or in addition to the vehicle yaw rate sensor 60. The trailer backup assist system 10 can, further, provide vehicle braking information to the brake control system 72 for allowing the trailer backup assist system 10 to control braking of the vehicle 14 during backing of the trailer 12. For example, the trailer backup assist system 10 in some embodiments may regulate speed of the vehicle 14 during backing of the trailer 12, which can reduce the potential for unacceptable trailer backup conditions, as described further below. Examples of unacceptable trailer backup conditions include, but are not limited to, a vehicle 14 over-speed condition, a high hitch angle rate, trailer angle dynamic instability, a calculated theoretical trailer jackknife condition (defined by a maximum vehicle steering angle, drawbar length, tow vehicle wheelbase, and an effective trailer length), or physical contact jackknife limitation (defined by an angular displacement limit relative to the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12), and the like, as also described further below. It is disclosed herein that the trailer backup assist system 10 can issue an alert signal corresponding to a notification of an actual, impending, and/or anticipated unacceptable trailer backup condition.

The powertrain control system 74, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, may also interact with the trailer backup assist system 10 for regulating speed and acceleration of the vehicle 14 during backing of the trailer 12. As mentioned above, regulation of the speed of the vehicle 14 may be necessary to limit the potential for unacceptable trailer backup conditions such as, for example, jackknifing and trailer angle dynamic instability. Similar to high-speed considerations as they relate to unacceptable trailer backup conditions, high acceleration and high dynamic driver curvature requests can also lead to such unacceptable trailer backup conditions.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the trailer backup assist system 10 in the illustrated embodiment may communicate with one or more devices, including a vehicle alert system 76, which may prompt visual, auditory, and tactile warnings. For instance, vehicle brake lights 78 and vehicle emergency flashers may provide a visual alert and a vehicle horn 79 and/or speaker 81 may provide an audible alert. Additionally, the trailer backup assist system 10 and/or vehicle alert system 76 may communicate with a human machine interface (HMI) 80 for the vehicle 14. The HMI 80 may include a vehicle display 82, such as a center-stack mounted navigation or entertainment display (FIG. 1). Further, the trailer backup assist system 10 may communicate via wireless communication with another embodiment of the HMI 80, such as with one or more handheld or portable devices, including one or more smartphones. The portable device may also include the display 82 for displaying one or more images and other information to a user. For instance, the portable device may display one or more images of the trailer 12 and an indication of the estimated hitch angle on the display 82. In addition, the portable device may provide feedback information, such as visual, audible, and tactile alerts.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the trailer backup assist system 10 includes a steering input device 18 that is connected to the controller 28 for allowing communication of information therebetween. It is disclosed herein that the steering input device 18 can be coupled to the controller 28 in a wired or wireless manner. The steering input device 18 provides the trailer backup assist system 10 with information defining the desired backing path of travel of the trailer 12 for the controller 28 to process and generate steering commands. More specifically, the steering input device 18 may provide a selection or positional information that correlates with a desired curvature 26 of the desired backing path of travel of the trailer 12. Also, the trailer steering commands provided by the steering input device 18 can include information relating to a commanded change in the path of travel, such as an incremental change in the desired curvature 26, and information relating to an indication that the trailer 12 is to travel along a path defined by a longitudinal centerline axis of the trailer 12, such as a desired curvature value of zero that defines a substantially straight path of travel for the trailer. As will be discussed below in more detail, the steering input device 18 according to one embodiment may include a movable control input device for allowing a driver of the vehicle 14 to command desired trailer steering actions or otherwise select and alter a desired curvature. For instance, the moveable control input device may be a rotatable knob 30, which can be rotatable about a rotational axis extending through a top surface or face of the knob 30. In other embodiments, the rotatable knob 30 may be rotatable about a rotational axis extending substantially parallel to a top surface or face of the rotatable knob 30. Furthermore, the steering input device 18, according to additional embodiments, may include alternative devices for providing a desired curvature 26 or other information defining a desired backing path, such as a joystick, a keypad, a series of depressible buttons or switches, a sliding input device, various user interfaces on a touch-screen display, a vision based system for receiving gestures, a control interface on a portable device, and other conceivable input devices as generally understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. It is contemplated that the steering input device 18 may also function as an input device for other features, such as providing inputs for other vehicle features or systems.

Still referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the controller 28 is configured with a microprocessor 84 to process logic and routines stored in memory 86 that receive information from the sensor system 16, including the trailer sensor module 20, the hitch angle sensor 44, the steering input device 18, the power assist steering system 62, the vehicle brake control system 72, the trailer braking system, the powertrain control system 74, and other vehicle sensors and devices. The controller 28 may generate vehicle steering information and commands as a function of all or a portion of the information received. Thereafter, the vehicle steering information and commands may be provided to the power assist steering system 62 for affecting steering of the vehicle 14 to achieve a commanded path of travel for the trailer 12. The controller 28 may include the microprocessor 84 and/or other analog and/or digital circuitry for processing one or more routines. Also, the controller 28 may include the memory 86 for storing one or more routines, including a hitch angle estimation routine 130, an operating routine 132, and a curvature routine 98. It should be appreciated that the controller 28 may be a stand-alone dedicated controller or may be a shared controller integrated with other control functions, such as integrated with the sensor system 16, the power assist steering system 62, and other conceivable onboard or off-board vehicle control systems.

With reference to FIG. 2, we now turn to a discussion of vehicle and trailer information and parameters used to calculate a kinematic relationship between a curvature of a path of travel of the trailer 12 and the steering angle of the vehicle 14 towing the trailer 12, which can be desirable for a trailer backup assist system 10 configured in accordance with some embodiments, including for use by a curvature routine 98 of the controller 28 in one embodiment. To achieve such a kinematic relationship, certain assumptions may be made with regard to parameters associated with the vehicle/trailer system. Examples of such assumptions include, but are not limited to, the trailer 12 being backed by the vehicle 14 at a relatively low speed, wheels of the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 having negligible (e.g., no) slip, tires of the vehicle 14 having negligible (e.g., no) lateral compliance, tires of the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 having negligible (e.g., no) deformation, actuator dynamics of the vehicle 14 being negligible, and the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 exhibiting negligible (e.g., no) roll or pitch motions, among other conceivable factors with the potential to have an effect on controlling the trailer 12 with the vehicle 14.

As shown in FIG. 2, for a system defined by a vehicle 14 and a trailer 12, the kinematic relationship is based on various parameters associated with the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12. These parameters include:

δ: steering angle at steered front wheels of the vehicle;

α: yaw angle of the vehicle;

β: yaw angle of the trailer;

γ: hitch angle (γ=β−α);

W: wheel base of the vehicle;

L: drawbar length between hitch point and rear axle of the vehicle;

D: distance (trailer length) between hitch point and axle of the trailer or effective axle for a multiple axle trailer; and

r₂: curvature radius for the trailer.

In one example, a kinematic relationship between trailer path radius of curvature r₂ at the midpoint of an axle of the trailer 12, steering angle δ of the steered wheels 64 of the vehicle 14, and the hitch angle γ can be expressed in the equation provided below. As such, if the hitch angle γ is provided, the trailer path curvature κ₂ can be controlled based on regulating the steering angle δ (where {dot over (β)} is trailer yaw rate and {dot over (η)} is trailer velocity).

$\kappa_{2} = {\frac{1}{r_{2}} = {\frac{\overset{.}{\beta}}{\overset{.}{\eta}} = \frac{{\left( {W + \frac{{KV}^{2}}{g}} \right)\sin \; \gamma} + {L\; \cos \; \gamma \; \tan \; \delta}}{D\left( {{\left( {W + \frac{{KV}^{2}}{g}} \right)\cos \; \gamma} - {L\; \sin \; \gamma \; \tan \; \delta}} \right)}}}$

This relationship can be expressed to provide the steering angle δ as a function of trailer path curvature κ₂ and hitch angle γ.

$\delta = {{\tan^{- 1}\left( \frac{\left( {W + \frac{{KV}^{2}}{g}} \right)\left\lbrack {{\kappa_{2}D\; \cos \; \gamma} - {\sin \; \gamma}} \right\rbrack}{{{DL}\; \kappa_{2}\sin \; \gamma} + {L\; \cos \; \gamma}} \right)} = {F\left( {\gamma,\kappa_{2},K} \right)}}$

Accordingly, for a particular vehicle and trailer combination, certain parameters (e.g., D, W and L) of the kinematic relationship are constant and assumed known. V is the vehicle longitudinal speed and g is the acceleration due to gravity. K is a speed dependent parameter which when set to zero makes the calculation of steering angle independent of vehicle speed. For example, vehicle-specific parameters of the kinematic relationship can be predefined in an electronic control system of the vehicle 14 and trailer-specific parameters of the kinematic relationship can be inputted by a driver of the vehicle 14, determined from sensed trailer behavior in response to vehicle steering commands, or otherwise determined from signals provided by the trailer 12. Trailer path curvature κ₂ can be determined from the driver input via the steering input device 18. Through the use of the equation for providing steering angle, a corresponding steering command can be generated by the curvature routine 98 for controlling the power assist steering system 62 of the vehicle 14.

Additionally, an assumption may be made by the curvature routine 98 that a longitudinal distance L between the pivoting connection and the rear axle of the vehicle 14 is equal to zero for purposes of operating the trailer backup assist system 10 when a gooseneck trailer or other similar trailer is connected with the a hitch ball or a fifth wheel connector located over a rear axle of the vehicle 14. The assumption essentially assumes that the pivoting connection with the trailer 12 is substantially vertically aligned with the rear axle of the vehicle 14. When such an assumption is made, the controller 28 may generate the steering angle command for the vehicle 14 as a function independent of the longitudinal distance L between the pivoting connection and the rear axle of the vehicle 14. It is appreciated that the gooseneck trailer mentioned generally refers to the tongue configuration being elevated to attach with the vehicle 14 at an elevated location over the rear axle, such as within a bed of a truck, whereby embodiments of the gooseneck trailer may include flatbed cargo areas, enclosed cargo areas, campers, cattle trailers, horse trailers, lowboy trailers, and other conceivable trailers with such a tongue configuration.

Yet another example of the curvature routine 98 of the trailer backup assist system 10 is illustrated in FIG. 3, showing the general architectural layout whereby a measurement module 88, a hitch angle regulator 90, and a curvature regulator 92 are routines that may be stored in the memory 86 of the controller 28. In the illustrated layout, the steering input device 18 provides a desired curvature κ₂ value to the curvature regulator 92 of the controller 28, which may be determined from the desired backing path 26 that is input with the steering input device 18. The curvature regulator 92 computes a desired hitch angle γ(d) based on the current desired curvature κ₂ along with the steering angle δ provided by a measurement module 88 in this embodiment of the controller 28. The measurement module 88 may be a memory device separate from or integrated with the controller 28 that stores data from sensors of the trailer backup assist system 10, such as the hitch angle sensor 44, the vehicle speed sensor 58, the steering angle sensor, or alternatively the measurement module 88 may otherwise directly transmit data from the sensors without functioning as a memory device. Once the desired hitch angle γ(d) is computed by the curvature regulator 92 the hitch angle regulator 90 generates a steering angle command based on the computed desired hitch angle γ(d) as well as a measured or otherwise estimated hitch angle γ(m) and a current velocity of the vehicle 14. The steering angle command is supplied to the power assist steering system 62 of the vehicle 14, which is then fed back to the measurement module 88 to reassess the impacts of other vehicle characteristics impacted from the implementation of the steering angle command or other changes to the system. Accordingly, the curvature regulator 92 and the hitch angle regulator 90 continually process information from the measurement module 88 to provide accurate steering angle commands that place the trailer 12 on the desired curvature κ₂ and the desired backing path 26, without substantial overshoot or continuous oscillation of the path of travel about the desired curvature κ₂.

As also shown in FIG. 4, the curvature routine 98 shown in FIG. 3 is illustrated in a control system block diagram. Specifically, entering the control system is an input, κ₂, which represents the desired curvature 26 of the trailer 12 that is provided to the curvature regulator 92. The curvature regulator 92 can be expressed as a static map, p(κ₂, δ), which in one embodiment is the following equation:

${p\left( {\kappa_{2},\delta} \right)} = {\tan^{- 1}\left( \frac{{\kappa_{2}D} + {L\; {\tan (\delta)}}}{{\kappa_{2}{DL}\; {\tan (\delta)}} - W} \right)}$

Where,

κ₂ represents the desired curvature of the trailer 12 or 1/r₂ as shown in FIG. 3;

δ represents the steering angle;

L represents the distance from the rear axle of the vehicle 14 to the hitch pivot point;

D represents the distance from the hitch pivot point to the axle of the trailer 12; and

W represents the distance from the rear axle to the front axle of the vehicle 14.

With further reference to FIG. 5, the output hitch angle of p(κ₂, δ) is provided as the reference signal, γ_(ref), for the remainder of the control system, although the steering angle δ value used by the curvature regulator 92 is feedback from the non-linear function of the hitch angle regulator 90. It is shown that the hitch angle regulator 90 uses feedback linearization for defining a feedback control law, as follows:

${g\left( {u,\gamma,v} \right)} = {\delta = {\tan^{- 1}\left( {\frac{W}{v\left( {1 + {\frac{L}{D}{\cos (\gamma)}}} \right)}\left( {u - {\frac{v}{D}{\sin (\gamma)}}} \right)} \right)}}$

As also shown in FIG. 5, the feedback control law, g(u, γ, ν), is implemented with a proportional integral (PI) controller, whereby the integral portion substantially eliminates steady-state tracking error. More specifically, the control system illustrated in FIG. 4 may be expressed as the following differential-algebraic equations:

$\mspace{79mu} {{\overset{.}{\gamma}(t)} = {{\frac{v(t)}{D}{\sin \left( {\gamma (t)} \right)}} + {\left( {1 + {\frac{L}{D}{\cos \left( {\gamma (t)} \right)}}} \right)\frac{v(t)}{W}\overset{\_}{\delta}}}}$ ${\tan (\delta)} = {\overset{\_}{\delta} = {\frac{W}{{v(t)}\left( {1 + {\frac{L}{D}{\cos \left( {\gamma (t)} \right)}}} \right)}\left( {{K_{P}\left( {{p\left( {\kappa_{2},\delta} \right)} - {\gamma (t)}} \right)} - {\frac{v(t)}{D}{\sin \left( {\gamma (t)} \right)}}} \right)}}$

It is contemplated that the PI controller may have gain terms based on trailer length D since shorter trailers will generally have faster dynamics. In addition, the hitch angle regulator 90 may be configured to prevent the desired hitch angle γ(d) to reach or exceed a jackknife angle γ(j), as computed by the controller or otherwise determined by the trailer backup assist system 10, as disclosed in greater detail herein.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in the illustrated embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, it is desirable to limit the potential for the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 to attain a jackknife angle (i.e., the vehicle/trailer system achieving a jackknife condition). A jackknife angle γ(j) refers to a hitch angle γ that while backing cannot be overcome by the maximum steering input for a vehicle such as, for example, the steered front wheels of the vehicle 14 being moved to a maximum steered angle δ at a maximum rate of steering angle change. The jackknife angle γ(j) is a function of a maximum wheel angle for the steered wheels of the vehicle 14, the wheel base W of the vehicle 14, the distance L between hitch point and the rear axle of the vehicle 14, and the trailer length D between the hitch point and the axle of the trailer 12 or the effective axle when the trailer 12 has multiple axles. When the hitch angle γ for the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 achieves or exceeds the jackknife angle γ(j), the vehicle 14 may be pulled forward to reduce the hitch angle γ. Thus, for limiting the potential for a vehicle/trailer system attaining a jackknife angle, it is preferable to control the yaw angle of the trailer 12 while keeping the hitch angle γ of the vehicle/trailer system relatively small.

A kinematic model representation of the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 can also be used to determine a jackknife angle for the vehicle-trailer combination. Accordingly, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, a steering angle limit for the steered front wheels requires that the hitch angle γ cannot exceed the jackknife angle γ(j), which is also referred to as a critical hitch angle γ. Thus, under the limitation that the hitch angle γ cannot exceed the jackknife angle γ(j), the jackknife angle γ(j) is the hitch angle γ that maintains a circular motion for the vehicle/trailer system when the steered wheels 64 are at a maximum steering angle δ(max). The steering angle for circular motion with hitch angle γ is defined by the following equation.

${\tan \; \delta_{\max}} = \frac{w\; \sin \; \gamma_{\max}}{D + {L\; \cos \; \gamma_{\max}}}$

Solving the above equation for hitch angle γ allows jackknife angle γ(j) to be determined. This solution, which is shown in the following equation, can be used in implementing trailer backup assist functionality in accordance with the disclosed subject matter for monitoring hitch angle γ in relation to jackknife angle.

${\cos \; \overset{\_}{\gamma}} = \frac{{- b} \pm \sqrt{b^{2} - {4\; a\; c}}}{2a}$

where,

a=L² tan² δ(max)+W²;

b=2 LD tan² δ(max); and

c=D² tan² δ(max)−W².

In certain instances of backing the trailer 12, a jackknife enabling condition can arise based on current operating parameters of the vehicle 14 in combination with a corresponding hitch angle γ. This condition can be indicated when one or more specified vehicle operating thresholds are met while a particular hitch angle γ is present. For example, although the particular hitch angle γ is not currently at the jackknife angle for the vehicle 14 and attached trailer 12, certain vehicle operating parameters can lead to a rapid (e.g., uncontrolled) transition of the hitch angle γ to the jackknife angle for a current commanded trailer curvature and/or can reduce an ability to steer the trailer 12 away from the jackknife angle. One reason for a jackknife enabling condition is that trailer curvature control mechanisms (e.g., those in accordance with the disclosed subject matter) generally calculate steering commands at an instantaneous point in time during backing of a trailer 12. However, these calculations will typically not account for lag in the steering control system of the vehicle 14 (e.g., lag in a steering EPAS controller). Another reason for the jackknife enabling condition is that trailer curvature control mechanisms generally exhibit reduced steering sensitivity and/or effectiveness when the vehicle 14 is at relatively high speeds and/or when undergoing relatively high acceleration.

Jackknife determining information may be received by the controller 28, according to one embodiment, to process and characterize a jackknife enabling condition of the vehicle-trailer combination at a particular point in time (e.g., at the point in time when the jackknife determining information was sampled). Examples of the jackknife determining information include, but are not limited to, information characterizing an estimated hitch angle γ, information characterizing a vehicle accelerator pedal transient state, information characterizing a speed of the vehicle 14, information characterizing longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle 14, information characterizing a brake torque being applied by a brake system of the vehicle 14, information characterizing a powertrain torque being applied to driven wheels of the vehicle 14, and information characterizing the magnitude and rate of driver requested trailer curvature. In this regard, jackknife determining information would be continually monitored, such as by an electronic control unit (ECU) that carries out trailer backup assist (TBA) functionality. After receiving the jackknife determining information, a routine may process the jackknife determining information for determining if the vehicle-trailer combination attained the jackknife enabling condition at the particular point in time. The objective of the operation for assessing the jackknife determining information is determining if a jackknife enabling condition has been attained at the point in time defined by the jackknife determining information. If it is determined that a jackknife enabling condition is present at the particular point in time, a routine may also determine an applicable countermeasure or countermeasures to implement. Accordingly, in some embodiments, an applicable countermeasure will be selected dependent upon a parameter identified as being a key influencer of the jackknife enabling condition. However, in other embodiments, an applicable countermeasure will be selected as being most able to readily alleviate the jackknife enabling condition. In still another embodiment, a predefined countermeasure or predefined set of countermeasures may be the applicable countermeasure(s).

As previously disclosed with reference to the illustrated embodiments, during operation of the trailer backup assist system 10, a driver of the vehicle 14 may be limited in the manner in which steering inputs may be made with the steering wheel 68 of the vehicle 14 due to the power assist steering system 62 being directly coupled to the steering wheel 68. Accordingly, the steering input device 18 of the trailer backup assist system 10 may be used for inputting a desired curvature 26 of the trailer 12, thereby decoupling such commands from being made at the steering wheel 68 of the vehicle 14. However, additional embodiments of the trailer backup assist system 10 may have the capability to selectively decouple the steering wheel 68 from movement of steerable wheels of the vehicle 14, thereby allowing the steering wheel 68 to be used for commanding changes in the desired curvature 26 of a trailer 12 or otherwise selecting a desired backing path during such trailer backup assist.

Referring now to FIG. 6, one embodiment of the steering input device 18 is illustrated disposed on a center console 108 of the vehicle 14 proximate a shifter 110. In this embodiment, the steering input device 18 includes a rotatable knob 30 for providing the controller 28 with the desired backing path of the trailer 12. More specifically, the angular position of the rotatable knob 30 may correlate with a desired curvature, such that rotation of the knob to a different angular position provides a different desired curvature with an incremental change based on the amount of rotation and, in some embodiments, a normalized rate, as described in greater detail herein.

The rotatable knob 30, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, may be biased (e.g., by a spring return) to a center or at-rest position P(AR) between opposing rotational ranges of motion R(R), R(L). In the illustrated embodiment, a first one of the opposing rotational ranges of motion R(R) is substantially equal to a second one of the opposing rotational ranges of motion R(L), R(R). To provide a tactile indication of an amount of rotation of the rotatable knob 30, a force that biases the knob toward the at-rest position P(AR) can increase (e.g., non-linearly) as a function of the amount of rotation of the rotatable knob 30 with respect to the at-rest position P(AR). Additionally, the rotatable knob 30 can be configured with position indicating detents such that the driver can positively feel the at-rest position P(AR) and feel the ends of the opposing rotational ranges of motion R(L), R(R) approaching (e.g., soft end stops). The rotatable knob 30 may generate a desired curvature value as function of an amount of rotation of the rotatable knob 30 with respect to the at-rest position P(AR) and a direction of movement of the rotatable knob 30 with respect to the at-rest position P(AR). It is also contemplated that the rate of rotation of the rotatable knob 30 may also be used to determine the desired curvature output to the controller 28. The at-rest position P(AR) of the knob corresponds to a signal indicating that the vehicle 14 should be steered such that the trailer 12 is backed along a substantially straight backing path (zero trailer curvature request from the driver), as defined by the longitudinal direction 22 of the trailer 12 when the knob was returned to the at-rest position P(AR). A maximum clockwise and anti-clockwise position of the knob (i.e., limits of the opposing rotational ranges of motion R(R), R(L)) may each correspond to a respective signal indicating a tightest radius of curvature (i.e., most acute trajectory or smallest radius of curvature) of a path of travel of the trailer 12 that is possible without the corresponding vehicle steering information causing a jackknife condition.

As shown in FIG. 7, a driver can turn the rotatable knob 30 to provide a desired curvature 26 while the driver of the vehicle 14 backs the trailer 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotatable knob 30 rotates about a central axis between a center or middle position 114 corresponding to a substantially straight backing path 26 of travel, as defined by the longitudinal direction 22 of the trailer 12, and various rotated positions 116, 118, 120, 122 on opposing sides of the middle position 114, commanding a desired curvature 26 corresponding to a radius of the desired backing path of travel for the trailer 12 at the commanded rotated position. It is contemplated that the rotatable knob 30 may be configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and omit a means for being biased to an at-rest position P(AR) between opposing rotational ranges of motion. Lack of such biasing may allow a current rotational position of the rotatable knob 30 to be maintained until the rotational control input device is manually moved to a different position. It is also conceivable that the steering input device 18 may include a non-rotational control device that may be configured to selectively provide a desired curvature 26 and to override or supplement an existing curvature value. Examples of such a non-rotational control input device include, but are not limited to, a plurality of depressible buttons (e.g., curve left, curve right, and travel straight), a touch screen on which a driver traces or otherwise inputs a curvature for path of travel commands, a button that is translatable along an axis for allowing a driver to input backing path commands, or a joystick type input and the like.

Referring to FIG. 8, an example of using the steering input device 18 for dictating a curvature of a desired backing path of travel (POT) of the trailer 12 while backing up the trailer 12 with the vehicle 14 is shown. In preparation of backing the trailer 12, the driver of the vehicle 14 may drive the vehicle 14 forward along a pull-thru path (PTP) to position the vehicle 14 and trailer 12 at a first backup position B1. In the first backup position B1, the vehicle 14 and trailer 12 are longitudinally aligned with each other such that a longitudinal centerline axis L1 of the vehicle 14 is aligned with (e.g., parallel with or coincidental with) a longitudinal centerline axis L2 of the trailer 12. It is disclosed herein that such alignment of the longitudinal axis L1, L2 at the onset of an instance of trailer backup functionality is not a requirement for operability of a trailer backup assist system 10, but may be done for calibration.

After activating the trailer backup assist system 10 (e.g., before, after, or during the pull-thru sequence), the driver begins to back the trailer 12 by reversing the vehicle 14 from the first backup position B1. So long as the rotatable knob 30 of the trailer backup steering input device 18 remains in the at-rest position P(AR) and no other steering input devices 18 are activated, the trailer backup assist system 10 will steer the vehicle 14 as necessary for causing the trailer 12 to be backed along a substantially straight path of travel, as defined by the longitudinal direction 22 of the trailer 12, specifically the centerline axis L2 of the trailer 12, at the time when backing of the trailer 12 began. When the trailer 12 reaches the second backup position B2, the driver rotates the rotatable knob 30 to command the trailer 12 to be steered to the right (i.e., a knob position R(R) clockwise rotation). Accordingly, the trailer backup assist system 10 will steer the vehicle 14 for causing the trailer 12 to be steered to the right as a function of an amount of rotation of the rotatable knob 30 with respect to the at-rest position P(AR), a rate movement of the knob, and/or a direction of movement of the knob with respect to the at-rest position P(AR). Similarly, the trailer 12 can be commanded to steer to the left by rotating the rotatable knob 30 to the left. When the trailer 12 reaches backup position B3, the driver allows the rotatable knob 30 to return to the at-rest position P(AR) thereby causing the trailer backup assist system 10 to steer the vehicle 14 as necessary for causing the trailer 12 to be backed along a substantially straight path of travel as defined by the longitudinal centerline axis L2 of the trailer 12 at the time when the rotatable knob 30 was returned to the at-rest position P(AR). Thereafter, the trailer backup assist system 10 steers the vehicle 14 as necessary for causing the trailer 12 to be backed along this substantially straight path to the fourth backup position B4. In this regard, arcuate portions of a path of travel POT of the trailer 12 are dictated by rotation of the rotatable knob 30 and straight portions of the path of travel POT are dictated by an orientation of the centerline longitudinal axis L2 of the trailer 12 when the knob is in/returned to the at-rest position P(AR).

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, in order to activate the trailer backup assist system 10, the driver interacts with the trailer backup assist system 10 and the automatically steers as the driver reverses the vehicle 14. As discussed above, the driver may command the trailer backing path by using a steering input device 18 and the controller 28 may determine the vehicle steering angle to achieve the desired curvature 26, whereby the driver controls the throttle and brake while the trailer backup assist system 10 controls the steering.

With reference to FIG. 9, a method of operating one embodiment of the trailer backup assist system 10 is illustrated and includes both actions carried out by the driver of vehicle 14 as well as by system 10, which is shown, generally, as one embodiment of the operating routine 132 (FIG. 1). At step 134, the method is initiated by the driver placing the vehicle in reverse (such as after traversing the pull-through path (PTP) shown in FIG. 8) and, subsequently activating the trailer backup assist system 10. It is contemplated that this may be done in a variety of ways, such a making a selection on the display 82 of the vehicle HMI 80. Once system 10 is activated, the driver, in step 138, selects the desired vehicle curvature using an input device, such as knob 30, as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7, above, while simultaneously controlling the longitudinal motion (i.e. speed) of vehicle 10 using the throttle 74 and brakes 72 in step 140. In general, system 10 executes operating routing 132 to determine if the desired curvature can be safely executed in step 142, which, in an embodiment, may mean that the desired curvature will maintain the hitch angle γ below jackknife angle γ(j), for example. As discussed further below, system 10 causes vehicle 14 to steer automatically, such as by control of EPAS system 62, to implement either the desired curvature or a modified curvature determined to be appropriate for preventing a jackknife condition, which may be determined according to the process described above with respect to FIG. 5.

As mentioned, while system 10 is causing vehicle 14 to automatically steer to maintain an appropriate curvature, the driver maintains the general responsibility for controlling the longitudinal motion of vehicle 14 using the throttle 74 and brakes 72 (FIG. 1). Initially, doing so causes vehicle 14 to begin rearward motion. As vehicle 14 accelerates, it is generally the responsibility of the driver to maintain sufficient vehicle speed in step 146 until the desired position is reached (step 148) based on the curvature along which system 10 steers vehicle 14. Upon vehicle 14 reaching the desired location, the driver slows vehicle 14 by reducing throttle position and applying brake torque in step 150 before placing vehicle 14 in park and deactivating system 10, at which point system 10 relinquishes control of EPAS 62 (step 150) and the process ends in step 152.

As noted above, however, the speed at which vehicle 14 travels while system 10 executes operating routine 132 can affect the ability of system 10 to avoid a jackknife condition or other adverse condition. In particular, at higher vehicle speeds, the dynamics of the yaw rate of trailer 12 with respect to that of vehicle 14 and, accordingly, hitch angle γ may occur at a rate that is too fast for system 10 to react to avoid a hitch angle γ increase to or beyond jackknife angle γ(j), as explained above. Accordingly, as discussed above, it may be desirable for system 10 to be able to determine if the speed of vehicle 14 is at or is approaching a threshold at which system 10 may be unable to reliably control hitch angle γ and to act to slow vehicle 14, if necessary. As system 10 is configured such that the driver maintains general control over the speed of vehicle 14 while routine 132 is being carried out, further intervention by system 10 in the form of warning the driver of an overspeed condition or, if necessary, deactivating system 10 itself may be desirable.

With reference to FIG. 10, an embodiment of system 10 is illustrated schematically in which system 10 is configured to monitor the speed of vehicle 14 into take various actions in response to a vehicle speed above a threshold level sufficient to allow system 10 to maintain hitch angle γ below jackknife angle γ(j). The general scheme illustrated in FIG. 10 and carried out by system 10 can be implemented in the operational scheme depicted in FIG. 9, for example, and begins, generally, when system 10 is activated in step 136. In step 136, system 10 begins the process to steer vehicle 14 along the desired curvature, as described above, in step 160 by determining the kinematic relationship between the trailer 12 and vehicle 14 to which trailer 12 is attached. To determine the kinematic relationship in step 162, various parameters of the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 are sensed input by the driver, or otherwise determined for the trailer backup assist system 10 to generate steering commands to the power assist steering system 62 in accordance with the desired curvature or backing path 26 of the trailer 12. As disclosed with reference to FIGS. 2-5, the kinematic parameters to define the kinematic relationship include a length of the trailer 12, a wheel base of the vehicle 14, and a distance from a hitch connection to a rear axle of the vehicle 14 and a hitch angle γ between the vehicle 14 and the trailer 12, among other variables and parameters as previously described. Accordingly, after the kinematic relationship is determined, the trailer backup assist system 10 may proceed at step 162 to determine a current hitch angle γ by receiving input from a sensor 44 (FIG. 1) or by executing a hitch angle estimation routine 130 carried out by system 10 using yaw rate sensor 25 of trailer 12, yaw rate sensor 60 of vehicle 14, among other inputs related to the kinematic relationship, and as described further in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/512,859, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,340,228, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Subsequently, the desired curvature is received from steering input device 18 in step 164, which is processed based on the kinematic relationship and hitch angle γ in step 166 to generate a steering command such as by using curvature routine 98 as described above with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4. Subsequently, system 10 can implement the steering command in step 168 with appropriate output to power assist steering system 62. System 10 can continue to repeat steps 162-168 as long trailer backup assist system 10 remains active (step 170).

While system 10 continues to monitor hitch angle and steering input device to generate and implement an appropriate steering command in steps 162-168, system 10 can simultaneously monitor to determine vehicle speed in step 172, which can be done using speed sensor 58. System 10 can then compare the vehicle speed to a threshold speed to determine if intervention is desired. As discussed above, the threshold speed can be a speed at which system 10 is capable of generating and implementing a steering command to prevent hitch angle γ from approaching jackknife angle γ(j) at an uncontrollable rate, which may be influenced by, among other things, the speed of the processor 84, the responsiveness of power assist steering system 62, and in particular electric steering motor 66, as well as length L of trailer 12. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the speed threshold can be predetermined and stored in step 173A for access by systems 10 in carrying out a comparison of vehicle speed to the threshold speed in, for example, step 174A. The predetermined speed threshold can be estimated based on the parameters just mentioned, while conservatively estimating for a short trailer length L. Alternatively, a number of predetermined speed thresholds can be stored in memory and referenced based on trailer length L as may be input by the driver. Alternatively, a specific threshold can be calculated in step 173 by system 10 based on the parameters of vehicle 14 and system 10 as previously described, as well as additional factors related to determination of a jackknife enabling condition, as described above with respect to FIG. 5.

Accordingly, system 10 can compare the vehicle speed determined in step 172 with either a predetermined or calculated threshold speed (steps 173A or 173B) in step 174A. If the vehicle speed is below the threshold speed, system 10 continues without intervention. If the vehicle speed is above the threshold speed, system 10 may take action such as by causing power trained control system 74 to reduce engine output in step 176, which can be done by adjusting the throttle position to decrease the output below that which is being demanded by the position of the accelerator pedal, as directed by the driver. System 10 can continue to monitor the vehicle speed to determine if the action carried out in step 176 is sufficient to reduce the speed of vehicle 14 to below the threshold speed in step 174B. If, at such a point, the vehicle speed has been reduced to below the threshold speed system 10 can return to normal operation or can continue to cause power train control system 74 to operate at a reduced throttle position so long as needed to effectively maintain vehicle speed below the threshold speed. If, after reducing engine output in step 176 system 10 determines that vehicle speed is still above the threshold speed, system 10 can cause vehicle brake control system 72 to actuate the vehicle brakes, thereby applying a brake torque to vehicle 14 in step 178 to further attempt to slow vehicle speed to below the threshold speed.

Again, system 10 can continue to cause vehicle 14 to operate at a reduced engine output and with brakes applied as long as necessary to effectively maintain vehicle speed below threshold speed similarly, system 10 can reduce brake torque, including to zero, and can restore engine output if it has been determined that no further intervention is required. If, however, it is determined that the reduction in engine output in step 176 and the application of brake torque in step 178 is not sufficient to lower the speed of vehicle 14 to below the threshold speed, system 10 can take further measures, including presenting a warning to driver in step 180, including by displaying a warning message on display 82 of vehicle HMI 80 or by issuing an audible tone, such as through speaker 81. It is noted that, in various embodiment the actions described above in step 176, 178, and 180 can be carried out in various alternative orders, including initially presenting a warning to the driver before reducing engine output and applying a brake torque. In further alternative embodiments, system 10 can be configured to apply a brake torque prior to reducing engine output. In any event, a warning presented in step 180 can be configured to alert the driver that speed at which vehicle 14 is reversing is too high and that action from the driver, including throttle reduction and/or brake application is required.

If system 10, subsequently, determines that the actions carried out by system in steps 176, 178, and 180 have been insufficient to reduce the speed of vehicle 14 to below the threshold level, including within a predetermined or calculated time (e.g. 2 or 3 seconds, or less if system 10 determines that a hitch angle rate γ dot is sufficiently high) system 10 can deactivate in step 180 such that system 10 no longer implements any steering command (step 168) in response to input from steering input device 18 and returns control of vehicle 14 to the driver via the steering wheel. Such action can be accompanied by a further message presented on display 82. Deactivation of trailer backup assist system 10 in step 180 can be beneficial, such as in the event that the driver in response to, for example and emergency situation has increased the speed of vehicle 14 with the intention of taking back full control of vehicle 14 while forgetting to manually disable system 10.

Referring now to FIG. 11, further additional steps for the process carried out by system 10 are illustrated in which intervention by system 10 in respect similar to that which is described above in FIG. 10 are carried out in direct response to detected or estimated hitch angle γ. In particular, while system is calculating and implementing steering commands in response to curvature routine 98 in steps 162-168, system 10 can use the hitch angle determined in step 162 along with predetermined or calculated trailer angle γ warning threshold, a maximum steerable angle, and a absolute maximum trailer angle to determine the various types of intervention are desired. In particular, the maximum steerable trailer angle can correspond to jackknife angle γ(j), which can be determined according to the considerations and calculations described above with respect to FIG. 5 (step 82) further, in step 182, a hitch angle γ warning threshold γ(w) can be determined from jackknife γ(j) based on a predetermined calculation, which can include, for example a predetermined percentage of jackknife angle γ(j) (e.g. 75%). A maximum trailer angle γ(max) may be a hitch angle γ at which is unacceptably close to colliding with the side of vehicle 14. As such an angle may depend on parameters relating to vehicle 14 and trailer 12 that were not other input into system 10, including the shape of trailer and the shape of the sides of vehicle 14, a calculation may not easily obtained by system 10. Accordingly, a predetermined, generally preventative hitch angle γ may be stored in memory 86. Such a predetermined maximum angle γ(max) may be for example about 80°. In an alternative embodiment, system 10 may include or otherwise be in communication with a proximity sensor 45 along one or both sides of vehicle 14 that can detect the presence of trailer 12 alongside of vehicle 14 and further, optionally, the distance of trailer 12 from such as side of vehicle 14. Examples of such sensors include ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, combinations of GPS units, or the like. Accordingly, such as calculation of the maximum hitch angle γ(max) may not be of the actually hitch angle γ but rather may infer that such as maximum angle has been reached by the presence of trailer 12 in close proximity to a side of vehicle 14.

As shown in FIG. 11, as long as hitch angle γ is less than the predetermined or calculated warning threshold, (step 184A) system 10 operates normally. After hitch angle γ passes the warning threshold, as determined by system 10, but remains below jackknife angle γ(j) system 10 may present a warning to driver in step 190 that hitch angle γ is approaching the jackknife angle γ(j). Further, as the steps carried out by system 10 in steps 162-168 are sufficient to maintain hitch angle γ below the threshold angle under non-excessive vehicle speed, it may be beneficial for system 10 to intervene at such a point by reducing the throttle position and applying the brakes in step 192 by, respectively, communicating with power train control system 74 and vehicle brake control system 72. Such intervention can be done gradually such that the feed forward process carried out by curvature routine 98 can continue to iterate, thereby allowing system 10 to determine if such reduction is sufficient or if further increase reduction is desired. In general, once the speed of vehicle 14 has been reduced to an acceptable level, system 10 should once again be able to maintain hitch angle γ below threshold angle. If either the actions carried out in steps 190 and 192 are insufficient to reduce the speed of vehicle 14 to a level at which system 10 can maintain hitch angle γ below the threshold level or another factor is causing hitch angle γ to continue to increase system 10 will subsequently detect that hitch angle γ has reached the jackknife angle γ(j) in step 188 and can accordingly, intervene by deactivating the trailer backup assist in step 196 and directing the driver to pull vehicle 14 forward in step 198 including by a message on display 18 and/or an audible indication on speaker 81 if system 10 either fails to issue such a warning in sufficient time or if appropriate driver action is not carried out system 10 in step 188 can detect if hitch angle γ has reached a maximum trailer angle γ(max) and can issue a further warning to the driver in step 194 before reducing the throttle (such as to zero) and by applying a brake torque at, for example a maximum safe amount to attempt to stop vehicle 14. Further, in step 202, system 10 can, simultaneously with reducing throttle and applying brakes in step 200, determine and implement a mitigating steering command. Such a steering command can be to cause the steered wheels of vehicle 14 to turn to a maximum steering angle Δ(max) in a direction that is opposite the side of vehicle 14 on which trailer 12 is detected. Such a steering command may be sufficient to cause vehicle 14 to move away from trailer 12 while vehicle 14 continues to move slightly backward during the time that system 10 attempts to stop vehicle 14 in step 200. The eventual stopping of vehicle 14 may be sufficient to prevent trailer 12 from coming into contact with the side of vehicle 14 due to continued rearward movement of vehicle 14. Subsequently, system 10 can deactivate in step 196 and can direct the driver to pull forward in step 198.

Turning now to FIGS. 12-16, a controller 204 is described that may be incorporated into an embodiment of system 10 to further the ability of system 10 to maintain a vehicle speed less than or equal to an upper speed bound or limit. Controller 204 may further have the ability to change this bound to change in real-time to meet various feature use cases of system 10. The structure of controller 204 may provide asymptotic tracking and disturbance rejection with respect to road grade and model uncertainty. Various embodiments of controller 204, as described further below may allow system 10 to operate such that the driver is no longer the primary means for maintaining speed control, allowing the drive to focus instead on controlling the curvature of trailer (such as by input device 18, as described above), and accordingly, minimizing the need for automatic disabling of system 10 according to the various modes described above. In such a system 10 the driver will still be responsible for bringing the vehicle and trailer to a stop once the destination has been reached, but during the maneuver, system 10, according to an embodiment, may be able to maintain the speed of the vehicle 14 such that the trailer 12 is more easily controllable by the driver throughout various maneuvers being performed. Embodiments of system 10 incorporating a controller 204 as described herein may also be able to reject disturbances from environmental noise factors including road grade variations, variations in road surfaces and engine idle conditions. Additionally, such a system 10 may be able to reject disturbances caused by the driver, such as variations in throttle apply and vehicle maneuvers. To achieve such a system 10, controller 204 is configured to maintain the speed of the vehicle through the use of the brake system 72 of vehicle 14 and may work in conjunction with a powertrain speed limiter within powertrain control system 74. Unlike the powertrain speed limiter, the braking speed limiter will continue to be effective on downward slopes.

In general, controller 204 is able to regulate the speed of vehicle 14 during backup of trailer 12 in a number of different use cases. In particular, when the driver engages system 10 and begins to back up the truck and trailer by pressing on the throttle, if the vehicle speed exceeds the powertrain speed limit threshold, the powertrain speed limiter of powertrain control system 74 (FIG. 1) limits engine rpm. In the event that the vehicle continues to gain speed, due to being on a downward slope, for example, such that the speed of vehicle 14 exceeds the braking speed limit threshold, controller 204 sends a single to the brake system 72 to autonomously bring the vehicle speed back down to the braking speed limit threshold. In the further case that the driver continues to back up the vehicle and trailer with the braking speed limiter maintaining the speed and subsequently begins a steering maneuver utilizing system 10. The curvature of vehicle 14 and the trailer 12 may cause the controller 204 to further reduce the speed of the vehicle to a variable speed limit that is based on the curvature to allow the driver maximum ease of controllability of the maneuver. If the driver continues to back the truck and trailer up, while straightening out the trajectory, the controller 204 may release, allowing vehicle 14 to speed up once again to the braking speed limit threshold for a straight trajectory. If the speed is exceeded, the braking speed limiter will once again engage. When the desired destination is reached, the driver completes the parking maneuver and applies the brakes to bring the vehicle to a stop.

To achieve such control, controller 204 is configured to limit the speed of vehicle 14 in a non-traditional manner. In particular, controller 204 tracks an inequality rather than strictly minimizing the error signal. Accordingly, rather than using set-valued feedback, controller 204 uses a modified proportional-integral (“PI”) feedback scheme to maintain the speed of vehicle 14 below the reference speed at all times and throughout disturbances that can include engine idle, torque and gravity when vehicle 14 is on an inclined road. The reference velocity may be stored in memory 86 of system 10 in an example and may be adjusted by controller 204, depending on, for example the hitch angle γ, including a lowering of the reference velocity if hitch angle γ is determined to be approaching jackknife angle γ(j). Unlike a traditional tracking problem, the speed limiting provided by controller 204 involves articulation of an actuator that can only affect the dynamics in a single direction, namely to slow the vehicle 14 down. To make the solution more acceptable to a customer, controller 204 is configured to minimize the error signal if the control is non-zero. That is, controller 204 includes an optimizer to minimize ∥ν_(ref)−ν(t)∥ if τ_(b)≠0, where τ_(b) is the output brake torque. In this sense, controller 204 does not attempt to slow the vehicle 14 down unless the speed of vehicle 14 gets sufficiently close to the reference velocity ν_(ref) or ν_(ref)(t).

Accordingly, a feedback-based scheme is used for controller 204 with various nonlinear modifications. The controller 204 generates the control signal u(t), uses the reference signal ν_(ref)(t), and uses the feedback measurement ν(t) with the error signal be defined as e(t):=ν_(ref)−ν(t). An asymmetric saturation block is endowed on the output of the controller as:

τ_(b)=max{−u(t),0}.

This implies the controller 204 never requests a negative torque command. Due to the challenges of the inequality tracking, an integrator within a standard PI controller will not be effective, due to the wind-up while the error signal e(t)>0. To properly define the nonlinear integrator, the arbitrary time varying signal x(t) is considered. The logical function

${\psi \left( {{x(t)},{e(t)}} \right)} = \left\{ {\begin{matrix} {e(t)} & {{{{if}\mspace{14mu} {e(t)}} \geq 0}{{x(t)} \leq 0}} \\ 0 & {else} \end{matrix},} \right.$

which is used implicitly to define the integral control, denoted Π(e(t)) as:

Π(e(t)):=∫₀ ^(t)ψ(Π(e(τ),e(τ))dτ.

The PI controller is defined with the proportional gain K_(p)≧0 and integral gain K_(i)>0 recursively as:

u(t)=K _(p) e(t)+K _(i)Π(e(t)).

Controller 204 is illustrated in block form in FIG. 12, where the foregoing mathematical statements can be realized via the illustrated logical blocks. More specifically, in FIG. 12, the PI controller 204 is shown, including the nonlinear integrator 210. In block 212, the controller 204 defines the integral control, which is fed into nonlinear integrator 210. The blocks 220 following the control signal 222 are responsible for converting the units from deceleration to brake torque τ_(b), and preventing negative torque requests from being sent to the brake controller.

The generally constant presence of engine idle force, in some cases, may imply the brakes be constantly active to keep the vehicle at a generally constant speed. This idle may be problematic to deal with open-loop, because it can vary depending on atmospheric conditions and health of the engine. Therefore, the error signal will be equal to zero when the system 10 feeds a zero or positive value to block 212. The implication is that the integrator 210 is responsible for calculating a correct amount of brake torque needed to keep the vehicle velocity under the reference signal. According to the mathematical definitions of the nonlinear integrator 210 in FIG. 12, the integrator is active when the input error is negative or the integrator output is or would be negative. It is further understood that the controller gains K_(p) and K_(i) are chosen such that the overshoot does not exceed ν_(max). That is, ν_(ref)(t) must be chosen sufficiently below ν_(max) such that controller 204 is able to maintain the inequality ν(t)<ν_(max) regardless of the disturbance inputs that are applied, such as steep hills or high engine idle force.

The command interface chosen is brake torque deceleration, meaning that the actuator is not assumed to have any feedback on the vehicle dynamics, such as calculated velocity or acceleration. In one example, this implies the controller is a torque interface that will not attempt to adjust for road grade. That is, commands are sent as brake torque τ_(b), and, in one example, the corresponding command may be applied at the anti-lock brake (“ABS”) pump. Therefore, the controller gains K_(i) and K_(p) may be tuned accordingly to specific vehicle platforms. In an example, the brake command may be reissued about every 20 milliseconds over the controller area network (“CAN”).

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 

We claim:
 1. A backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer, comprising: a vehicle brake system; a vehicle throttle; a vehicle speed sensor; and a controller: coupled with the brake system, the throttle, and the speed sensor; implementing a backup mode including controlling at least one of the brake system or the throttle to attempt to maintain a vehicle speed below a threshold speed; and terminating the backup mode upon detecting that the vehicle speed is above the threshold speed for a predetermined time interval.
 2. The backup assist system of claim 1, further including a vehicle steering system, wherein: the controller further implements the backup mode including controlling the vehicle steering system to maintain the vehicle and trailer along a predetermined backing path.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein controlling the brake system includes causing the brake system to increase a brake torque applied thereby according to a non-linear proportional-integral control scheme.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein controlling the throttle includes adjusting a position of the throttle to reduce an output thereof.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the threshold speed is a predetermined backup threshold speed.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein: the system further includes a trailer angle sensor; and the controller adjusts the threshold vehicle speed downward in response to input from the trailer angle sensor indicating a trailer angle being in excess of a threshold trailer angle.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein: the system, while in the backup mode produces a driver warning in response to detection of the trailer angle being in excess of the threshold trailer angle; and the system further terminates the backup mode and presents a driver instruction upon input from the trailer angle sensor indicating the trailer angle being in excess of a maximum trailer angle that is greater than the threshold trailer angle.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein during terminating of the backup mode, the controller ramps out the controlling of at least one of the brake system or the throttle.
 9. The system of claim 1, further including at least one object sensor associated with a side of the vehicle and coupled with the controller, wherein: while in the backup mode, the controller adjusts the threshold vehicle speed downward upon detecting the trailer within a predetermined distance of the side of the vehicle.
 10. A vehicle, comprising: a steering system; a vehicle speed detector; a brake system; a controller coupled with steering system for implementing: a backup mode for reversing a trailer including controlling the steering system to maintain the trailer along a path; and a non-linear proportional-integral control scheme to control the brake system to maintain a vehicle speed below a threshold speed.
 11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the controller is coupled with the brake system and outputs a brake torque demand to the brake system based on the proportional-integral control scheme.
 12. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the controller implements the non-linear proportional-integral control scheme as a part of implementing the backup mode.
 13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the first controller further terminates the backup mode and the non-linear proportional-integral control scheme upon detecting an adverse condition for a time interval.
 14. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the proportional-integral control scheme uses a zero integral gain if the vehicle speed is below a reference speed that is less than the threshold speed.
 15. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein the path corresponds to a trailer curvature commanded by a driver of the vehicle.
 16. A method for assisting reversing of a vehicle with a trailer, comprising: implementing a backup control scheme to control a steering angle of a steering system to maintain the trailer along a user-selected backing path; and attempting to maintain a vehicle speed below a threshold speed; wherein the backup control scheme automatically terminates after a time interval of detecting that the vehicle speed is above the threshold speed.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein attempting to maintain the speed of the vehicle below the threshold speed is achieved by the control scheme at least one of actuating a braking system of the vehicle or lowering a throttle output of the vehicle according to a non-linear proportional-integral control scheme.
 18. The method of claim 17, further including, after the time interval of detecting that the vehicle speed is above the threshold speed, ramping out the non-linear proportional-integral control scheme.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the threshold vehicle speed is a predetermined backup threshold speed.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein: the threshold vehicle speed is derived by a comparison of the vehicle speed with a reference speed; and attempting to maintain a vehicle speed below a threshold speed includes controlling a brake system of the vehicle to maintain the vehicle speed within a predetermined range of the reference speed. 